Sashastra Seema Bal jawans patrol the India-Nepal border in Raxaul. Picture by Jai Prakash

Motihari, Dec. 23: Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel deployed on the India-Nepal border have stepped up their vigil in view of possible threat from smugglers who try to sneak into this side of the fence during winter.

The smugglers usually wait for the winter and cross the border with narcotics, fake Indian currencies and contraband under the shield of fog and poor visibility. “Security has been tightened near every border outpost keeping in view the weather,” said V. Vikraman, the second-in-command of SSB, 13th Battalion.

The SSB personnel on guard along the 110-km border between Bhelahi and Kundwa in East Champaran are on special alert.

Speaking about co-operation from residents of the area, Vikraman said: “People have always expressed interest in building a better relationship with the SSB since the battalion came here in 2000. They have gradually become friendlier, which has helped us in maintaining law and order in the area. Even our women cadre has done a wonderful job.”

Vikraman added: “Our personnel are extra alert during the winter. Poor visibility calls for better patrolling because even objects at short distances are not visible during this season. There is sufficient arrangement of dragon lights for patrolling.”

He added that besides the regular use of night vision devices and dog squad, the SSB also gets assistance from the police and Railway Protection Force personnel for better patrolling.

“For strict vigil, we are in constant touch with the intelligence agencies of the Centre and the state. We also conduct surprise raids to keep a tab whether our personnel are doing the job in the best possible way,” he added.

Speaking about the major achievements of the SSB, the second-in-command said between November and October 2011, the SSB has seized fake Indian currency worth Rs 1.25 lakh, contraband valued at Rs 5.66 crore, narcotics that include 5,632kg ganja worth Rs 1.6 crore, 785kg charas valued at Rs 47.68 lakh and smack worth Rs 8,000. Around 225 people were arrested in smuggling cases.

Lauding the leadership of former commandant of the 13th Battalion, Raj Singh Shekhawat, who played a pivotal role in most of the hauls, Vikraman said: “The major achievements during the past one year have brought laurels to the unit. It was declared the best performing battalion of the SSB. Recently, our commandant, B.S. Thakur, was awarded by the President at a function in Delhi.”